Events

MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – As the first visit after the presidential election the Belarusian head of state Alexander Lukashenko intends to go to Russia upon the invitation of President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The idea was discussed during the meeting of the Belarus President and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus Alexander Surikov on 16 November, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian leader was thankful for the invitation to go to the Russian Federation on a state visit. “After the presidential election in Belarus it will be correct of me, as I usually do, to go to Russia, a country I cannot call foreign, no matter how some people may not like it. I think it will be correct. It will answer many questions,” believes Alexander Lukashenko.

He stressed he was ready for a serious talk about Belarusian-Russian relations. The head of state remarked that a number of Belarus-Russia bilateral events will take place. “I believe we are going to meet with other presidents in the multilateral format, too,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

“There are things to talk about and sincerely, without leaving anything unsaid,” continued the President. He remarked he was ready for a sincere and serious conversation. “Let’s sincerely discuss our affairs and problems if there are any and outline the prospects,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko said he believes that some matters concerning bilateral cooperation can be adjusted before the forthcoming meeting with the president of Russia in order to address some concerns. Yet he noted he did not see any special problems with it.

In turn, Alexander Surikov thanked the Belarus President for accepting the invitation to go to the Russian Federation on a state visit. “We are thankful that as your first visit after the presidential election you will go to the Russian Federation. I think even if there are some rough spots in mutual relations between the two countries —and there are always some, even in relations between the closest countries — they will be addressed during the meeting and will find proper understanding,” the Ambassador of Russia was convinced.